Connector ferrule, fiber assembly, and method of making same

Abstract

The application provides a connector ferrule, an optical fiber assembly and a manufacturing method thereof. The connector ferrule comprises a ferrule body, the ferrule body is provided with a fiber core insertion hole, a plurality of directional connecting parts are arranged at the connecting end face of the ferrule body, the plurality of directional connecting parts are distributed in an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, a first square or a rectangle around the fiber core insertion hole, each directional connecting part has magnetism, and the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting parts are different from each other. The optical fiber assembly comprises the above connector ferrule. The application further provides a manufacturing method of the optical fiber assembly. The connector ferrule can realize rapid butt joint of two groups of fiber core modules, and ensures the butt joint precision and uniqueness of the fiber core of the fiber core module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communication technology, in particular to a connector ferrule, an optical fiber assembly provided with the connector ferrule, and a manufacturing method of the optical fiber assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Multi-core fiber (MCF) can significantly improve communication density and bandwidth capacity by transmitting multiple independent optical signals in parallel in a single fiber, and has become a key carrier to break through the Shannon limit of traditional single-mode fiber. In the field of data centers, multi-core fiber can replace multiple single-core fiber bundles to enable the port density of high-density optical modules (such as QSFP-DD) to be doubled to support the evolution of 400Gbps to 1.6Tbps; in quantum communication, the multi-core structure supports parallel quantum key distribution (QKD) to increase the code rate by more than 4 times compared to traditional single-core systems; in addition, medical endoscopes, industrial sensor networks and other scenarios rely on multi-core fiber to realize the synchronous transmission of multi-modal signals (imaging / spectrum / laser), promoting the miniaturization and multifunctional development of equipment.

[0003] However, the precise alignment of the multi-core fiber currently faces the following severe challenges:

[0004] First, sub-micron level alignment accuracy is required. For example, the core spacing of a four-core fiber is usually only 40-45μm

such as a square arrangement core spacing (along the edge length direction) of 42.5μm

[0005] Second, the adaptability to complex environments is insufficient. Physical deformation is caused by factors such as industrial vibration (5Grms) and temperature drift (-40℃-85℃), and existing passive alignment schemes cannot compensate dynamically, resulting in degraded link stability. SUMMARY

[0006] To solve the above problems, the first object of the present application is to provide a connector ferrule which can realize the rapid alignment of two groups of core modules and ensure the alignment accuracy and uniqueness of the cores of the core modules.

[0007] The second object of the present application is to provide an optical fiber assembly which can realize the rapid alignment of two groups of core modules and ensure the alignment accuracy and uniqueness of the cores of the core modules.

[0008] The third object of the present application is to provide a manufacturing method of the above optical fiber assembly.

[0009] In order to achieve the first object of the present application, the present application provides a connector ferrule, comprising a ferrule body provided with a fiber core insertion hole, wherein three directional connecting parts are arranged at the connecting end face of the ferrule body and are distributed around the fiber core insertion hole in an equilateral triangle or isosceles triangle, the center of the equilateral triangle coincides with the axis of the fiber core insertion hole when the three directional connecting parts are distributed in an equilateral triangle, and the center of the isosceles triangle coincides with the axis of the fiber core insertion hole when the three directional connecting parts are distributed in an isosceles triangle; or four directional connecting parts are arranged at the connecting end face of the ferrule body and are distributed around the fiber core insertion hole in a first square or rectangle, the intersection of the two diagonals of the first square coincides with the axis of the fiber core insertion hole when the four directional connecting parts are distributed in a first square, and the intersection of the two diagonals of the rectangle coincides with the axis of the fiber core insertion hole when the four directional connecting parts are distributed in a rectangle; each directional connecting part has magnetism, and the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting parts are different from each other.

[0010] As can be seen from the above, through the design of the directional connecting part, when the connector ferrule is connected with another matching connector ferrule, the two connected connector ferrules have a unique assembly position relationship under the limitation that the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting parts are different from each other; on the one hand, the connection precision and anti-interference ability are improved, the operation difficulty is reduced, and it is ensured that the two fiber core modules connected with the two connector ferrules can be connected with high precision and convenience, and on the other hand, the problem that the cumulative assembly offset increases after repeated plugging and connecting of the traditional mechanical guide pin type connector, and the corresponding fiber cores of the fiber core modules cannot be connected within the allowed offset value is solved.

[0011] Further, the directional connecting part is a groove, or the directional connecting part is a convex column.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, the above design makes the connector ferrule can be set as a female connector ferrule, and also can be set as a male connector ferrule, so that the male and female connector ferrules can be connected quickly, accurately and relatively with a unique assembly position.

[0013] Further, a magnetic shielding layer is arranged outside the ferrule body, and the thickness of the magnetic shielding layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, the magnetic shielding layer can isolate the external electromagnetic interference of the ferrule body, prevent mechanical damage of the ferrule body, and avoid corrosion of the ferrule body by the environment (such as humidity and chemicals), and also can reduce the influence of the outside on the signal transmission of the fiber core, and ensure stable transmission of the optical signal.

[0015] In order to realize the second object of the present application, the present application provides an optical fiber assembly comprising a fiber core module, wherein the connector ferrule is arranged as described above, and the fiber core module is inserted into the fiber core socket.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, the optical fiber assembly is configured with the connector ferrule described above, so that when the two groups of fiber core modules are docked, the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting portions of the respective connector ferrules are different from each other under the limiting action, the docking of the two groups of fiber core modules can be quickly established, and the uniqueness of the docking of the respective fiber cores of the two groups of fiber core modules is ensured. Furthermore, the optical fiber assembly can maintain the precise docking position after multiple docking and separation, prolong the service life of the connector ferrule, and facilitate the user to disassemble and assemble the two optical fiber assemblies.

[0017] A preferred scheme is that the fiber core module is a four-core optical fiber, and the four fiber cores of the four-core optical fiber are arranged in a second square shape. When the number of directional connecting portions is three and arranged in an equilateral triangle shape, one side of the equilateral triangle is parallel to one side of the second square. When the number of directional connecting portions is three and arranged in an isosceles triangle shape, the base of the isosceles triangle is parallel to one side of the second square. When the number of directional connecting portions is four and arranged in a first square shape, the first diagonal of the first square overlaps the first diagonal of the second square, and the second diagonal of the second square overlaps the second diagonal of the second square.

[0018] Another preferred scheme is that the fiber core module is a seven-core optical fiber, and six of the seven fiber cores of the seven-core optical fiber are arranged in a regular hexagon shape, and the remaining one fiber core is located at the center of the regular hexagon. When the number of directional connecting portions is four and arranged in a rectangle shape, the first diagonal of the rectangle overlaps the first long diagonal of the regular hexagon, and the second diagonal of the rectangle overlaps the second long diagonal of the regular hexagon.

[0019] As can be seen from the above, according to the number of fiber cores of the fiber core module, the number of directional connecting portions is configured, the distribution positions of the directional connecting portions are set, and the relative positions of the directional connecting portions and the fiber cores of the fiber core module are set, so that the connector ferrule has excellent self-alignment capability and anti-misconnection capability, and the docking accuracy of the fiber cores between the two groups of fiber core modules is improved, and the connection stability and reliability between the connector ferrules are ensured.

[0020] In order to realize the third object of the present application, the present application provides a manufacturing method of an optical fiber assembly, wherein the optical fiber assembly is as described above, and the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: covering a photoresist mask on a connecting end face, exposing and developing, performing magnetic control sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles on a target area exposed by development to form directional connecting portions, so that the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting portions are different from each other; and installing the fiber core module into the fiber core socket.

[0021] As can be seen from the above, when the optical fiber assembly made by the manufacturing method is connected with another matching optical fiber assembly, the two assemblies can have a unique assembly position relationship, which on the one hand improves the connection precision and anti-interference ability, reduces the operation difficulty, and ensures that the core modules of the two optical fiber assemblies can be connected with high precision, and on the other hand solves the problem that the traditional mechanical guide pin type connector is prone to wear and tear after repeated plugging and connection, which leads to an increase in the cumulative assembly offset, and further leads to the problem that the corresponding cores of the core modules cannot be connected within the allowed offset value.

[0022] One preferred scheme is that the step of installing the core module into the core insertion hole includes: the core module adopts a four-core optical fiber, and the four cores of the four-core optical fiber are arranged in a second square shape; if the number of the directional connecting parts is three and the three directional connecting parts are arranged in an equilateral triangle shape, during the installation of the core module, one side of the equilateral triangle is parallel to one side of the second square; if the number of the directional connecting parts is three and the three directional connecting parts are arranged in an isosceles triangle shape, during the installation of the core module, the base of the isosceles triangle is parallel to one side of the second square; if the number of the directional connecting parts is four and the four directional connecting parts are arranged in a first square shape, during the installation of the core module, the first diagonal of the first square overlaps the first diagonal of the second square, and the second diagonal of the second square overlaps the second diagonal of the second square.

[0023] Another preferred scheme is that the step of installing the core module into the core insertion hole includes: the core module adopts a seven-core optical fiber, six of the seven cores of the seven-core optical fiber are arranged in a regular hexagon shape, and the remaining one core is located at the center of the regular hexagon; if the number of the directional connecting parts is four and the four directional connecting parts are arranged in a rectangular shape, during the installation of the core module, the first diagonal of the rectangle overlaps the first long diagonal of the regular hexagon, and the second diagonal of the rectangle overlaps the second long diagonal of the regular hexagon.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, by configuring the number of directional connecting parts, setting the distribution positions of the directional connecting parts, and setting the relative positions of the directional connecting parts and the cores of the core module according to the number of cores of the core module, the connector ferrule can have excellent self-alignment ability and anti-misconnection ability, and the connection stability and reliability between the connector ferrules can be ensured.

[0025] A further scheme is that the manufacturing method further includes: after the directional connecting parts are formed, the directional connecting parts are filled with epoxy resin, and an anti-corrosion coating is coated on the surface of the directional connecting parts; a magnetic shielding layer is arranged outside the ferrule body.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, filling the directional connecting part formed by the magnetron sputtering directional deposition of the magnetic particles with the epoxy resin can improve the structural strength of the directional connecting part, ensure the connection reliability and prolong the service life; the magnetic shielding layer arranged on the ferrule body can isolate the electromagnetic interference outside the ferrule body, prevent the mechanical damage of the ferrule body and avoid the corrosion of the ferrule body by the environment (such as humidity and chemical substances). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the optical fiber assembly of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the optical fiber assembly of the present application.

[0029] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the optical fiber assembly of the present application.

[0030] The present application will be further described below in combination with the drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] First embodiment of the optical fiber assembly

[0032] Referring to Figure 1 , the optical fiber assembly 100 comprises a connector ferrule 1 and a fiber core module 2.

[0033] The connector ferrule 1 comprises a ferrule body 11, which is preferably made of ceramic material, so that the ferrule body 11 has high precision and stability, and at the same time has high wear resistance, corrosion resistance and insulation. The ferrule body 11 is provided with a fiber core insertion hole 111 which penetrates the ferrule body 11, and the fiber core module 2 is installed in the fiber core insertion hole 111. Preferably, the fiber core insertion hole 111 is coaxially arranged with the ferrule body 11.

[0034] The ferrule body 11 is provided with two or more directional connecting parts 12 at the connecting end face, and the two or more directional connecting parts 12 are distributed around the axial direction of the fiber core insertion hole 111. In this embodiment, the number of directional connecting parts 12 is three, and the three directional connecting parts 12 are distributed in an equilateral triangle around the fiber core insertion hole 111. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of directional connecting parts 12 can be two or four or more.

[0035] Each directional connecting part 12 has magnetism, and the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting parts 12 are different from each other, so that each directional connecting part 12 has a unique corresponding relationship with the position of each fiber core 21 of the fiber core module 2, thereby ensuring that when the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 are connected, the two groups of connector ferrules 1 of the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 have only one connection position relationship after being connected, thereby ensuring the uniqueness of the connection of the fiber cores 21 of the fiber core modules 2 of the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100.

[0036] The directional connecting part 12 is preferably formed by magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles to realize different magnetic field directions of each directional connecting part 12. The magnetic particles can be Fe3O4, NdFeB or the like, and the particle size of the magnetic particles is preferably between 50 nm and 200 nm, and the magnetic energy product is ≥ 30 MGOe.

[0037] In addition, after the directional connecting part 12 is formed, it is filled with epoxy resin, which can be preferably cured by ultraviolet light. The gap between the magnetic particles of the directional connecting part 12 is filled with epoxy resin, so that after the epoxy resin is cured, the structural strength of the directional connecting part 12 can meet the repeated connection requirements, thereby prolonging the service life of the connector ferrule 1. After the epoxy resin filling and curing of the directional connecting part 12 are completed, the surface of the directional connecting part 12 is polished to have a surface roughness Ra≤0.1 μm, thereby ensuring that the smoothness of the end face of the connector ferrule 1 meets the APC standard (curvature radius 5 mm to 15 mm, return loss ≥ 55 dB); preferably, the end face of the ferrule body 11 is UPC (Ultra Physical Contact).

[0038] In some embodiments, the directional connecting part 12 is provided as a groove, that is, the groove surface is formed with a magnetic layer by magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles; in some embodiments, the directional connecting part 12 can also be provided as a convex column, that is, a column structure is formed by magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles. It can be seen that since the directional connecting part 12 can be provided as a groove or a convex column, the connector ferrule 1 can be provided as a female connector ferrule or a male connector ferrule, thereby enabling the male and female connector ferrules to be quickly, accurately and uniquely positioned relative to each other.

[0039] For example, when two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 are mated, the directional connecting part 12 on the connector ferrule 1 of one group of optical fiber assemblies 100 is a groove, and the directional connecting part 12 on the connector ferrule 1 of the other group of optical fiber assemblies 100 is a convex column, and the grooves and convex columns on the connector ferrules 1 of the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 correspond to each other, and the magnetic poles of the corresponding grooves and convex columns attract each other, that is, the corresponding grooves and convex columns can be magnetically attracted to each other. Since the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting parts 12 of the same connector ferrule 1 are different from each other, when the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 are mated, each convex column on the connector ferrule 1 of one group of optical fiber assemblies 100 has only one connection relationship with each groove on the connector ferrule 1 of the other group of optical fiber assemblies 100, thereby ensuring the uniqueness of the relative assembly position when the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 are mated.

[0040] In addition, in the embodiment, the inner core of the equilateral triangle formed by the three directional connecting portions 12 is preferably coincident with the axis of the fiber core insertion hole 111 to ensure the stability of the two connector ferrules 1 and improve the precision of the two connector ferrules 1.

[0041] Further, the surface of the directional connecting portion 12 is also coated with an anticorrosion coating, which is preferably a titanium nitride (TiN) anticorrosion coating. The self-corrosion potential of the titanium nitride anticorrosion coating is higher than that of the substrate, which is equivalent to a shielding layer with a large resistance value and a small capacitance value, and can isolate the contact between the corrosive solution and the substrate, effectively protecting the substrate metal from corrosion. Meanwhile, the chemical stability of the titanium nitride anticorrosion coating enables it to withstand high temperatures above 600°C in air without significant oxidation, and it can also remain stable in many corrosive media and is not prone to chemical reactions, thereby playing an anticorrosion role. The thickness of the anticorrosion coating is preferably between 45 nm and 55 nm, and more preferably, the thickness of the anticorrosion coating is 50 nm.

[0042] Further, when the directional connecting portion 12 is a groove, the inner diameter D of the groove is preferably between 170 μm and 250 μm, and when the directional connecting portion 12 is a protruding column, the outer diameter D of the protruding column is preferably between 170 μm and 250 μm. It can be understood that the inner diameter D of the groove and the outer diameter D of the protruding column of the two groups of optical fiber assemblies 100 connected to each other are matched to ensure the reliability of the connection.

[0043] The ferrule body 11 is also provided with a magnetic shielding layer 13, which can isolate the external electromagnetic interference of the ferrule body 11, prevent mechanical damage to the ferrule body 11, and avoid the corrosion of the ferrule body 11 by the environment (such as humidity and chemicals), while also reducing the influence of the outside world on the signal transmission of the fiber core 21 and ensuring stable transmission of optical signals. The magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably made of permalloy, and the thickness of the magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0044] In the embodiment, the fiber core module 2 preferably uses a four-core optical fiber, and the four fiber cores 21 of the four-core optical fiber are arranged in a second square shape. Since the three directional connecting portions 12 are arranged in an equilateral triangle around the fiber core insertion hole 111 in the embodiment, when the fiber core module 2 is installed into the fiber core insertion hole 111, one side of the equilateral triangle is parallel to one side of the second square, that is, the first connecting line L1 of two of the three directional connecting portions 12 is parallel to the second connecting line L2 of two of the fiber cores 21 in the fiber core module 2.

[0045] It can be understood that in some embodiments, when the number of directional connecting portions 12 is three, the three directional connecting portions 12 can also be distributed in an isosceles triangle around the fiber core socket 111; at this time, the isosceles triangle formed by the connecting lines of the three directional connecting portions 12 is preferably coincident with the axis of the fiber core socket 111; based on the same principle, when the three directional connecting portions 12 are distributed in an isosceles triangle, after the fiber core module 2 is installed into the fiber core socket 111, the base of the isosceles triangle is made parallel to one side of the second square, that is, the connecting line of the two directional connecting portions 12 located at the base of the isosceles triangle is made parallel to the connecting line of two of the fiber cores 21 in the fiber core module 2.

[0046] According to the number of fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2, the number of directional connecting portions 12 is configured, the distribution positions of the directional connecting portions 12 are set, and the relative positions of the directional connecting portions 12 and the fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2 are set, which can enable excellent self-alignment and anti-misconnection capabilities between the connector ferrules 1, and can also improve the alignment accuracy of the fiber cores 21 between the two groups of fiber core modules 2, thereby ensuring the connection stability and reliability between the connector ferrules 1.

[0047] As can be seen from the above, through the design of the directional connecting portions 12 of the connector ferrule 1, when the connector ferrule 1 is aligned with another mating connector ferrule 1, the two aligned connector ferrules 1 have a unique assembly positional relationship under the limiting action that the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting portions 12 are different from each other; on the one hand, the alignment accuracy and anti-interference capability are improved, the operation difficulty is reduced, and it is ensured that the two sections of fiber core modules 2 connected with the two connector ferrules 1 can be conveniently and accurately aligned, and on the other hand, the problem that the cumulative assembly offset increases due to wear after repeated plugging and alignment of the traditional mechanical guide pin type connector, and the corresponding fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2 cannot be aligned within the allowed offset value is solved.

[0048] Second embodiment of the optical fiber assembly

[0049] Reference Figure 2 The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment of the optical fiber assembly is the number and distribution positions of the directional connecting portions 12, and the relative positions of the directional connecting portions 12 and the fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2. Specifically, in the present example:

[0050] The number of directional connecting portions 12 is four, and the four directional connecting portions 12 form a first square; wherein the intersection of the two diagonals of the first square is preferably coincident with the axis of the fiber core socket 111, and the intersection of the two diagonals of the second square formed by the four fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2 is also preferably coincident with the axis of the fiber core socket 111.

[0051] Further, a first diagonal line of the first square formed by the four directional connecting portions 12 overlaps a first diagonal line of the second square formed by the four cores 21, and a second diagonal line of the first square formed by the four directional connecting portions 12 overlaps a second diagonal line of the second square formed by the four cores 21.

[0052] It can be seen that the same number of cores 21 and the same distribution relationship of the cores 21 can be configured into different numbers and different distribution relationships of the directional connecting portions 12. The more the number of the directional connecting portions 12, the higher the docking accuracy of the core module 2 of the two sets of optical fiber assemblies 100. The stability and docking accuracy of the two sets of optical fiber assemblies can be better improved while ensuring the economy of the connector ferrule 1.

[0053] Third embodiment of the optical fiber assembly

[0054] Reference Figure 3 The embodiment differs from the first embodiment of the optical fiber assembly in the number and distribution position of the directional connecting portions 12 and the number and distribution position of the cores 21 of the core module 2. Specifically, in the present example:

[0055] The number of the directional connecting portions 12 is four, and the four directional connecting portions 12 form a rectangle. The intersection of the two diagonal lines of the rectangle is preferably coincident with the axis of the core insertion hole 111.

[0056] The core module 2 is a seven-core optical fiber. Six of the seven cores 21 of the seven-core optical fiber are distributed in a regular hexagon, and the remaining one core 21 is located at the center of the regular hexagon, so that the core 21 at the center is located on the same long diagonal line as any two cores 21 on the long diagonal line. Preferably, the intersection of the long diagonal lines of the regular hexagon is coincident with the axis of the core insertion hole 111.

[0057] Further, the first diagonal line of the rectangle overlaps the first long diagonal line of the regular hexagon, and the second diagonal line of the rectangle overlaps the second long diagonal line of the regular hexagon.

[0058] It can be seen that by configuring the number of directional connecting portions 12 according to the number of cores 21 of the core module 2, setting the distribution position of each directional connecting portion 12 and the relative position of each directional connecting portion 12 and each core 21 of the core module 2, the connector ferrule 1 can have excellent self-alignment and anti-misconnection capabilities, and the docking accuracy of each core 21 between the two sets of core modules 2 can be improved, ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection between the connector ferrules 1.

[0059] First embodiment of the manufacturing method of the optical fiber assembly

[0060] Reference Figure 1The manufacturing method of the optical fiber assembly is used for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly 100 in the first embodiment of the optical fiber assembly, and specifically comprises the following steps.

[0061] The photoresist mask is covered on the connecting end surface of the ferrule body 11, and then exposed and developed. Then, the target area exposed by the development is subjected to magnetic control sputtering to deposit magnetic particles, the magnetic field direction of each directional connecting part 12 is independently controlled to realize specific polarity coding, so that the magnetic field directions of each directional connecting part 12 are different from each other.

[0062] The relative positions of each directional connecting part 12 and the fiber core insertion hole 111 and the diameter D of the directional connecting part 12 are determined by the design of the mask. In this embodiment, the number of directional connecting parts 12 is three, and the three directional connecting parts 12 are distributed in an equilateral triangle or an isosceles triangle. If the directional connecting part 12 needs to be processed into a convex column, a column structure is formed by depositing magnetic particles in the target area of the directional connecting part 12 through magnetic control sputtering. If the directional connecting part 12 needs to be processed into a groove, a groove is first etched in the target area of the directional connecting part 12, and then a magnetic particle layer is formed in the groove by depositing magnetic particles in the groove through magnetic control sputtering.

[0063] After the directional connecting part 12 is formed, the directional connecting part 12 is filled with epoxy resin to fill the gap between the magnetic particles. If the directional connecting part 12 is a groove, the epoxy resin also fills the gap between the magnetic particles and the groove. The epoxy resin is preferably a UV-curable epoxy resin to facilitate the curing process of the epoxy resin. This step can improve the structural strength of the directional connecting part 12 and prolong the service life of the directional connecting part 12.

[0064] After the epoxy resin is filled and cured, the surface of the directional connecting part 12 is polished to a surface roughness Ra≤0.1μm to ensure that the end surface smoothness meets the APC standard (curvature radius 5-15mm, return loss≥55dB).

[0065] Then, the surface of the directional connecting part 12 is coated with a corrosion-resistant coating. The corrosion-resistant coating is preferably a titanium nitride (TiN) corrosion-resistant coating, and the thickness of the corrosion-resistant coating is preferably between 45nm and 55nm. More preferably, the thickness of the corrosion-resistant coating is 50nm. The photoresist in the unexposed part is removed.

[0066] Next, a magnetic shielding layer 13 is provided outside the ferrule body 11. The magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably a permalloy magnetic shielding layer 13, and the thickness of the magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably between 0.1mm and 1mm.

[0067] Finally, the installation of the fiber core module 2 is performed. Since the four fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2 are arranged in a second square shape, when the fibers are inserted, if the three directional connecting portions 12 are arranged in an equilateral triangle shape, one side of the equilateral triangle is parallel to one side of the second square, that is, the first connecting line L1 of two of the three directional connecting portions 12 is parallel to the second connecting line L2 of two of the fiber cores 21 in the fiber core module 2; if the three directional connecting portions 12 are arranged in an isosceles triangle shape, the base of the isosceles triangle is parallel to one side of the second square, that is, the connecting line of the two directional connecting portions 12 at the base of the isosceles triangle is parallel to the connecting line of two of the fiber cores 21 in the fiber core module 2. The design can ensure the positioning accuracy and the centering property, and improve the anti-offset capability.

[0068] It should be noted that the magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles is a mature technology, and therefore will not be described again.

[0069] Second embodiment of the method for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly

[0070] Reference Figure 2 The method for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly provided in this embodiment is used to manufacture the optical fiber assembly 100 described in the second embodiment of the optical fiber assembly, and specifically includes the following steps.

[0071] The photoresist mask is covered on the connecting end surface of the ferrule body 11, and then exposed and developed. Subsequently, the target area exposed by the development is subjected to magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles. The magnetic field direction of each directional connecting portion 12 is independently controlled to achieve a specific polarity coding, so that the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting portions 12 are different from each other.

[0072] The relative positions of the directional connecting portions 12 and the fiber core insertion hole 111 and the size of the diameter D of the directional connecting portion 12 are determined by the design of the mask. In this embodiment, the number of directional connecting portions 12 is four, and the four directional connecting portions 12 are arranged in a first square shape. If the directional connecting portion 12 needs to be processed into a convex column, a column structure is formed on the target area of the directional connecting portion 12 by magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles. If the directional connecting portion 12 needs to be processed into a groove, a groove is first etched on the target area of the directional connecting portion 12, and then a magnetic particle layer is formed in the groove by magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles.

[0073] After the directional connecting portion 12 is formed, the directional connecting portion 12 is filled with epoxy resin to fill the gap between the magnetic particles. If the directional connecting portion 12 is a groove, the epoxy resin also fills the gap between the magnetic particles and the groove. The epoxy resin is preferably an ultraviolet-curable epoxy resin to facilitate the curing process of the epoxy resin. This step can improve the structural strength of the directional connecting portion 12 and prolong the service life of the directional connecting portion 12.

[0074] After filling and curing the epoxy resin, the surface of the directional connecting part 12 is polished to ensure that the surface roughness Ra is less than or equal to 0.1 μm, so as to ensure that the end surface smoothness meets the APC standard (the curvature radius is 5-15 mm, and the return loss is greater than or equal to 55 dB).

[0075] Subsequently, the surface of the directional connecting part 12 is plated with an anticorrosion coating, the anticorrosion coating is preferably a titanium nitride (TiN) anticorrosion coating, the thickness of the anticorrosion coating is preferably between 45 nm and 55 nm, and more preferably, the thickness of the anticorrosion coating is 50 nm; and the photoresist of the unexposed part is removed.

[0076] Then, the magnetic shielding layer 13 is arranged outside the ferrule body 11, the magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably a permalloy magnetic shielding layer 13, and the thickness of the magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0077] Finally, the fiber core module 2 is installed. Since the four fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2 are distributed in a second square shape, when the fiber is inserted, the first diagonal of the first square formed by the distribution of the four directional connecting parts 12 overlaps the first diagonal of the second square formed by the distribution of the four fiber cores 21, and the second diagonal of the first square formed by the distribution of the four directional connecting parts 12 overlaps the second diagonal of the second square formed by the distribution of the four fiber cores 21. This design can ensure the positioning accuracy and the centering property, and improve the anti-offset capability.

[0078] Third embodiment of the method for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly

[0079] Reference Figure 3 The method for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly provided in the embodiment is used for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly 100 described in the third embodiment of the optical fiber assembly, and specifically includes the following steps.

[0080] The photoresist mask is arranged on the connecting end surface of the ferrule body 11, and then exposed and developed. Subsequently, the target area exposed by the development is subjected to magnetic control sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles, the magnetic field direction of each directional connecting part 12 is independently controlled to realize specific polarity coding, so that the magnetic field directions of the directional connecting parts 12 are different from each other.

[0081] In the embodiment, the number of the directional connecting parts 12 is four, and the four directional connecting parts 12 are distributed in a rectangular shape. If the directional connecting part 12 needs to be processed into a convex column, the target area of the directional connecting part 12 is subjected to magnetic control sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles to form a column structure. If the directional connecting part 12 needs to be processed into a groove, the target area of the directional connecting part 12 is first etched to form a groove, and then the magnetic control sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles is performed to form a magnetic particle layer in the groove.

[0082] After the directional connecting part 12 is formed, the directional connecting part 12 is filled with epoxy resin to fill the gap between the magnetic particles, and if the directional connecting part 12 is a groove, the epoxy resin also fills the gap between the magnetic particles and the groove; wherein the epoxy resin preferably adopts a UV-curable epoxy resin to facilitate the curing process of the epoxy resin. This step can improve the structural strength of the directional connecting part 12 and prolong the service life of the directional connecting part 12.

[0083] After the epoxy resin is filled and cured, the surface of the directional connecting part 12 is polished to a surface roughness Ra≤0.1μm to ensure that the end face smoothness meets the APC standard (curvature radius 5-15mm, return loss≥55dB).

[0084] Subsequently, an anti-corrosion coating is plated on the surface of the directional connecting part 12, the anti-corrosion coating preferably adopts a titanium nitride (TiN) anti-corrosion coating, the thickness of the anti-corrosion coating is preferably between 45nm and 55nm, more preferably, the thickness of the anti-corrosion coating is 50nm; the photoresist of the unexposed part is removed.

[0085] Next, a magnetic shielding layer 13 is provided outside the ferrule body 11, the magnetic shielding layer 13 preferably adopts a permalloy magnetic shielding layer 13, and the thickness of the magnetic shielding layer 13 is preferably between 0.1mm and 1mm.

[0086] Finally, the installation of the fiber core module 2 is performed, since the fiber core module 2 is a seven-core optical fiber, and six of the seven cores 21 of the seven-core optical fiber are distributed in a regular hexagon, and the remaining one core 21 is located at the center of the regular hexagon, the core 21 at the center is located on the same long diagonal line as any two cores 21 on the long diagonal line, the intersection of the long diagonal lines of the regular hexagon coincides with the axis of the core jack 111, therefore, when threading the fiber, the first diagonal line of the rectangle overlaps the first long diagonal line of the regular hexagon, and the second diagonal line of the rectangle overlaps the second long diagonal line of the regular hexagon. This design can ensure positioning accuracy and centring, and improve anti-offset capability.

[0087] As can be seen from the above, the optical fiber assembly 100 made by any one of the manufacturing methods of the first to third embodiments has a unique assembly positional relationship when it is connected to another matching optical fiber assembly 100, which on the one hand improves the connection accuracy and anti-interference capability, reduces the operation difficulty, and ensures that the fiber core modules 2 of the two optical fiber assemblies 100 can be connected with high precision and convenience, and on the other hand solves the problem that the traditional mechanical guide pin type connector optical fiber assembly 100 is prone to cumulative offset after repeated plugging and connection due to wear, which causes the corresponding fiber cores 21 of the fiber core module 2 to be unable to be connected within the allowed offset value.

[0088] Finally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned only is the preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can have various changes and modifications, any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber assembly comprising a connector ferrule and a fiber core module, the connector ferrule comprising a ferrule body provided with a fiber core socket, the fiber core module being installed in the fiber core socket, characterized in that: directional connection portions are provided at a connection end face of the ferrule body; when the number of the directional connection portions is three and the fiber core module is a four-core optical fiber: four fiber cores of the four-core optical fiber are in a second square distribution, three directional connection portions are in an equilateral triangle distribution around the fiber core socket, a center of the equilateral triangle coincides with an axis of the fiber core socket, and one side of the equilateral triangle is parallel to one side of the second square, or three directional connection portions are in an isosceles triangle distribution around the fiber core socket, a center of the isosceles triangle coincides with the axis of the fiber core socket, and a base of the isosceles triangle is parallel to one side of the second square; when the number of the directional connection portions is four and the fiber core module is a four-core optical fiber: four fiber cores of the four-core optical fiber are in the second square distribution, four directional connection portions are in a first square distribution around the fiber core socket, intersection points of two diagonal lines of the first square coincide with the axis of the fiber core socket, a first diagonal line of the first square overlaps a first diagonal line of the second square, and a second diagonal line of the second square overlaps a second diagonal line of the second square; when the number of the directional connection portions is four and the fiber core module is a seven-core optical fiber: the fiber core module is a seven-core optical fiber, six of the seven fiber cores of the seven-core optical fiber are in a regular hexagon distribution, and the remaining one fiber core is located at a center of the regular hexagon, four directional connection portions are in a rectangle distribution around the fiber core socket, intersection points of two diagonal lines of the rectangle coincide with the axis of the fiber core socket, a first diagonal line of the rectangle overlaps a first long diagonal line of the regular hexagon, and a second diagonal line of the rectangle overlaps a second long diagonal line of the regular hexagon; each directional connection portion has magnetism, and magnetic field directions of each directional connection portion are different from each other.

2. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: the directional connection portion is a groove; or the directional connection portion is a convex column.

3. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: a magnetic shielding layer is provided outside the ferrule body, and a thickness of the magnetic shielding layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

4. A manufacturing method of an optical fiber assembly, characterized in that: the optical fiber assembly is the optical fiber assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the manufacturing method comprises: covering a photoresist mask on the connection end face, exposing and developing, performing magnetron sputtering directional deposition of magnetic particles on a target area exposed by development, forming each directional connection portion, and making magnetic field directions of each directional connection portion different from each other; and installing the fiber core module into the fiber core socket.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, characterized in that: the step of installing the fiber core module into the fiber core socket comprises: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The core module adopts a four-core optical fiber, and four cores of the four-core optical fiber are in a second square distribution; If the number of the directional connecting parts is three and the three directional connecting parts are in an equilateral triangle distribution, when the core module is installed, one side of the equilateral triangle is parallel to one side of the second square, If the number of the directional connecting parts is three and the three directional connecting parts are in an isosceles triangle distribution, when the core module is installed, the base of the isosceles triangle is parallel to one side of the second square, If the number of the directional connecting parts is four and the four directional connecting parts are in a first square distribution, when the core module is installed, a first diagonal of the first square overlaps a first diagonal of the second square, and a second diagonal of the second square overlaps a second diagonal of the second square.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein: The step of installing the core module into the core insertion hole comprises: The core module adopts a seven-core optical fiber, six of the seven cores of the seven-core optical fiber are in a regular hexagon distribution, and the remaining one core is located at the center of the regular hexagon; If the number of the directional connecting parts is four and the four directional connecting parts are in a rectangular distribution, when the core module is installed, a first diagonal of the rectangle overlaps a first long diagonal of the regular hexagon, and a second diagonal of the rectangle overlaps a second long diagonal of the regular hexagon.

7. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The manufacturing method further comprises: After the directional connecting parts are formed, the directional connecting parts are filled with epoxy resin, and an anti-corrosion coating is coated on the surface of the directional connecting parts; A magnetic shielding layer is arranged outside the insertion core body.

Images